In the wake of Stephen Lewis’s passing, his son, Avi Lewis, newly elected federal leader of the NDP, is poised to honour his father’s extraordinary life and career at a public memorial this Sunday. The poignant ceremony, set to take place at Toronto Metropolitan University, will bring together family, friends, and notable figures from the political and judicial spheres to celebrate the multifaceted legacy of a man who left an indelible mark on Canadian politics and global humanitarian efforts.
A Personal Connection Amidst Public Grief
As Avi Lewis navigated the demands of his recent election as NDP leader, he found solace in conversations with his father. Just days before Stephen’s death on March 31, Avi expressed his anxieties about the role to his father, who offered reassurance and a steadying influence during a tumultuous time. “You don’t have to do anything that you haven’t been doing for months. Just keep it up. You’re doing great. Stay calm. Stay clear. You’ve got this,” Stephen told him.
This father-son bond, forged through years of shared political discourse, took on new significance as they faced the prospect of Stephen’s illness. Avi recalled the warmth of their relationship, stating, “In that conversation, I felt like a kid being reassured by a parent.”
Remembering a Political Giant
Stephen Lewis’s illustrious career spanned decades, beginning with his leadership of the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978, followed by his role as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations. He later founded the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which played a pivotal role in addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. The memorial service will feature reflections from influential figures, including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella, as well as personal tributes from Avi and his sisters, Ilana and Jenny.
Avi noted that the service aims to present a more intimate portrait of their father. “He was a very unusual person, with many hidden talents,” he remarked, recalling a memorable moment when Stephen, a former quarterback, threw a perfect spiral that astonished his son. “It was a shock. He never did it again. He never did it before that.”
An Emotional Farewell
The family held a private funeral earlier this month, described by Avi as “an incredibly intense, powerful, deeply sad and beautiful experience.” As they prepare for the public ceremony, the siblings acknowledge the emotional weight of the occasion. While they initially hesitated to take the stage, they ultimately decided to share their memories collectively. “Quite the opposite,” Avi expressed, highlighting the mutual support among siblings as they face the challenge of public speaking about their father.
The memorial is set to be a moment of reflection rather than political commentary for Avi. “It won’t be a political moment for me. I’m not naive about the fact that there’s an interest,” he acknowledged, underscoring the importance of personal grieving amidst public scrutiny.
A Legacy of Influence
Avi Lewis’s path to leadership in the NDP is a continuation of a family legacy that began with his grandfather, David, who led the federal party in the 1970s. Despite his initial reluctance to embrace a political career, Avi is now stepping into the role at a critical juncture for the party, particularly in light of recent developments, such as the announcement that Alexandre Boulerice, the NDP’s only MP from Quebec, is transitioning to provincial politics.
Reflecting on his childhood experiences alongside his father during the 1975 election campaign, Avi recalled the early impressions that politics made on him. From travelling on campaign buses to experiencing the vibrancy of political life, he grew up fascinated, despite his original ambition to pursue journalism instead. “When I told Dad I was going to run for leader about a year ago, his first reaction was, ‘What took you so long?’”
Why it Matters
The impending memorial service for Stephen Lewis is not merely a farewell but a celebration of an extraordinary life dedicated to public service and humanitarianism. As Avi Lewis steps into his role as NDP leader, he carries not only the burden of responsibility but also the weight of his father’s legacy. This event is a poignant reminder of the personal connections that underpin political life, illustrating how family ties can inspire public service and drive meaningful change. The ceremony will serve as both a tribute to a distinguished career and a testament to the enduring impact of Stephen Lewis on future generations of leaders in Canada.
